A regular series where we feature our listeners’ church talks from all around the world.
1st Speaker: Jana Reiss
Jana Riess is an American writer and editor and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jana’s writing has focused on American religions, usually on organized movements such as the LDS Church and the Church of Christ Scientist. She has written several books including Flunking Sainthood. Over the last several years she has been tweeting the Bible under the title ‘Twible’. Jana is the Director of publishing at Patheos and blogs at Religion News Service’s Flunking Sainthood.
2nd Speaker: Bruce Morton
Bruce Morton grew up in Florida and served a mission in Guatemala. He graduated from BYU, works as an electrical engineer, and holds 5 patents. He served as a bishop in Florida and currently resides in Lake Stevens, Washington with his wife and 3 of their 4 children. Their oldest son is currently serving in the Oklahoma City Mission. This talk was given in his ward on May 24th, 2015.
3rd Speaker: Jay Griffith
Jay is father of three children and has been married to Jane for 33 years. Among other things he is an Art Director, ultra marathon trail runner, and triathlete. He loves to garden, keep bees and chickens, and explore difficult questions. Jay curates and manages two groups, Faith Again and Think Again as well as help out the Liahona Children’s Foundation. He has enjoyed assisting Sarah Collett with several podcasts for a Thoughtful Faith.
Pingback: Doubt Your Doubts | scottintempe
Hi Scott,
That phrase troubled me a little at the time it was given in Conference several years ago by Holland and probably even more so now. But that’s what I said then for that audience.
But while it sounds to my ears a bit offensive and wrong-headed, our doubts SHOULD be open to reflection and critical and heart-felt thinking as much as those things we don’t doubt. I think it was aimed at those who seemed certain that the mistakes and misrepresentations of past prophets and apostles eliminates the possibility that there was ever a shred of truth and goodness in the founders and the church. While its a clever turn of phrase, maybe it would be better stated: “consider that your doubt that the church is founded on a false premise and prophets may also not be true.” That there is nuance in everything.
While I have had, since I was first a missionary, (I’m 55 now) times of serious soul-shaking doubts about our church and God, the last 3-4 years of more immersion into the realm of possibilities and doubts has been incredibly fruitful for me. And others. I have seen Gods hand in so many ways touch and effect me and others for good–many on the fringe of our faith, some without. Some in jail. Some entering the waters of baptism. Friends of mine in the LGBTQ community. Some of these “miracles” seem too remarkable to be coincidence. I have arrived at a place of little certainty but great peace. Albeit uncomfortable at times. But I feel quite certain of Gods love for all despite what appears his/her unequal distribution of it. And than becoming that love is our highest and most noble calling.
I am leery of certainty, knowing it can be the death of greater light and knowledge as well as cause great harm to those we feel certain God views a certain way. Where would we be without questions? A very primitive and unevolved species, eh?
Thanks for bringing this up.